SOLAR CONCENTRATOR DEVICE INCLUDING A PARABOLOID GEOMETRIC COLLECTOR

The modular solar energy production device efficiently generates both electrical and thermal energy by tracking the sun's position and adapting to different energy converters, addressing the limitations of existing systems.

FR3168435A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-05-15EXERGETICA
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
EXERGETICA
Filing Date
2024-11-13
Publication Date
2026-05-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing solar energy production devices face challenges in simultaneously generating both electrical and thermal energy efficiently, with photovoltaic panels lacking thermal output, solar concentrators requiring complex and expensive structures, and solar thermal systems not producing electricity.

Method used

A modular solar energy production device with a lightweight structure and adaptable solar collector design, featuring a rotating and translating mechanism to track the sun's position, allowing integration of mirrors or photovoltaic panels, and adjustable curvature to accommodate different energy converters.

Benefits of technology

Enables simultaneous generation of electrical and thermal energy with high efficiency, flexibility in energy production, and compatibility with various energy converters, while reducing structural complexity and cost.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a device for producing electrical and thermal energy (1) from solar energy, having a modular architecture, said energy production device (1) comprises a fixed chassis (2), a rotating chassis in a triangular structure (3), a central panel (4) capable of receiving a solar collector (5) consisting of mirrors (53) and a solar receiver (6) positioned at the focus of the solar collector (5), or of photovoltaic panels (41), lateral panels (4a) and (4b) capable of receiving photovoltaic solar panels (41), said energy production device also comprises a rotation mechanism via a rotary motor (24) and a translation motor (7) enabling solar tracking along the horizontal and vertical axes, thus optimizing exposure to solar radiation,The structure of the solar collector (5) of said energy production device (1) is formed by an assembly of longitudinal (51) and transverse (52) beams, provided with grooves for integrating mirrors in a paraboloid geometry. An installation method is also proposed, including steps for adjusting the position of the mirrors (53) and the solar receiver (6) to adapt the solar flux according to the solar elevation. Said energy production device (1) is suitable for stationary as well as mobile applications. Abstract figure: Fig. 1,
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Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR SOLAR CONCENTRATOR INCLUDING A PARABOLOID GEOMETRIC COLLECTOR Context of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of devices and systems for producing electrical and thermal energy from solar energy. Known devices include photovoltaic solar panels for producing electrical energy, solar concentrators for producing both electrical and thermal energy, and solar thermal devices for producing thermal energy, primarily for heating and domestic hot water production. These devices are intended for various applications, particularly those requiring both electrical and thermal energy, such as in houses, apartments, commercial premises, industry, aquatic centers, and other applications.The invention relates in particular to a stationary or mobile device for producing electrical and thermal energy from solar energy. This device comprises a collector for concentrating the collected solar energy towards a solar receiver. The solar collector includes structures designed to form a parabolic geometry on which mirrors or reflectors are positioned to concentrate the solar energy towards a focal point where a solar receiver is located. This energy production device also has the unique feature of tracking the sun's position in space at all times, thereby maximizing the amount of solar energy captured and, consequently, the electrical and thermal energy produced.

[0002] In order to produce electrical and thermal energy from solar energy, it is known in the prior art to use devices such as photovoltaic solar panels, solar thermal devices, or solar concentrators. These solar concentrators often use thermodynamic machines to convert thermal energy, produced by concentrating solar energy, into electrical and thermal energy. Thus, it is also known in the prior art to produce one's own electrical energy using photovoltaic solar panel technologies. These photovoltaic solar panels are often installed on fixed structures, inclined at a fixed angle to the horizontal and in a fixed direction. These photovoltaic solar panel systems thus capture energy Solar panels are optimally positioned at a vertical (elevation) and horizontal (azimuth) position of the sun in the sky. These vertical and horizontal positions correspond to an angle of inclination where the plane of the photovoltaic solar panels is perpendicular to the sun's rays, thus maximizing the surface area for which the sun's rays are projected onto the solar panel. Other types of photovoltaic panels can be installed on a single-axis or dual-axis moving structure, allowing them to continuously track the sun's position throughout the day. This maximizes energy production by optimizing the angles of incidence between the sun's rays and the panels. The solar panels absorb a portion of the photons from the sun's rays and release electrons.This release of electrons generates an electric current. The first drawback of photovoltaic solar panels is that they do not directly produce thermal energy, which is a desired energy source in some applications. Therefore, in the specific case where thermal energy is needed, the electricity produced by the photovoltaic panels will be used to generate heat through electric heating elements or heat pump systems. Thus, only a portion of the solar energy is converted into electricity because some of the electrons are absorbed by the photovoltaic panels. In fact, approximately 20% of the solar energy is converted into electrical energy. This electrical energy will then be converted into thermal energy through an electric heating element.It is also known in the prior art as solar concentrating devices or systems, also called "solar concentrators." These solar concentrators include a solar collector, consisting of either a single paraboloid-shaped mirror or an array of mirrors arranged to form a paraboloid profile. The role of these mirrors is to reflect the sun's rays, the solar energy, and direct it onto a surface called the receiving surface. The array of mirrors constitutes the collector, also called the solar collector. The component located at the receiving surface, the surface where the sun's rays converge, is known as the solar receiver. At the solar receiver, solar energy is collected, resulting in an increased concentration of that energy, which in turn raises the surface temperature of the material constituting the solar receiver.The temperature at the solar receiver depends on several parameters, including the collecting area (effective area of ​​the mirrors), the receiving area (area of ​​the solar receiver on which solar energy is concentrated) and the light intensity, also called 'irradiance', expressed in units of . Power per unit area (W / m²). Thus, the concentration ratio corresponds to the ratio between the total collecting area (effective area of ​​the mirrors or collector area) and the area of ​​the solar receiver. The choice of mirror shape also influences the design of the structure, as the distance between the mirrors and the solar receiver is determined by the curvature of the mirrors (paraboloid geometry). This distance significantly influences the mass and dimensions of the solar concentrator.

[0003] In solar concentrator-type devices, the solar receiver transfers solar energy in the form of heat flux and temperature to the working fluid of a thermodynamic machine, this machine acting as an energy converter. This converter can transform part of the thermal energy into mechanical energy, then into electrical energy via a generator, or directly convert part of the thermal energy into electrical energy, as in the case of thermoelectric generators. Several types of energy converters or thermodynamic machines can be used to transform thermal energy into mechanical energy, and then into electrical energy.Among the most common are turbogenerators, also called 'micro-turbines' or 'gas turbines', Stirling engines, thermoacoustic converters, steam cycles, also known as 'Rankine cycles', as well as Ericsson and Joule engines. These thermodynamic machines convert a portion of thermal energy into useful mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy via a generator. Solar concentrators are known for producing both electrical and thermal energy from solar energy. These 'solar concentrator' devices have the disadvantage of being expensive, complex, requiring a large and heavy structure, as well as a solar tracking system. The structure constituting the solar collector is also costly to manufacture.The design of the mirrors forming the collector and that of the solar receiver depend on the thermodynamic energy converter used, and in particular on the operating temperature of the working fluid of said converter. Thus, for a converter requiring a specific operating temperature, the design of the mirrors, the curvature of the collector (paraboloid geometry) and the surface temperature at the solar receiver must be precisely defined.

[0004] It is also known from the prior art of devices for producing heat from solar energy, intended solely for heating or domestic hot water production needs, without generating electrical energy. These devices, designated as 'solar thermal', convert solar energy into thermal energy only, without transformation into electrical energy. The Solar thermal systems typically use vacuum tubes or other technologies to capture solar energy and heat a heat transfer fluid, such as water or oil. These devices are often stationary and do not track the sun's position throughout the day. The thermal energy produced can heat water to temperatures exceeding 70 degrees Celsius.

[0005] To increase the efficiency of the aforementioned devices, solar tracking is necessary, particularly for concentrating solar systems. Unlike photovoltaic systems, concentrating solar systems require precise and continuous tracking of the sun to maintain optimal concentration of solar energy at the receiver, thereby increasing its temperature and efficiently transferring thermal energy to the working fluid of the thermodynamic machine. The position of the solar collector must therefore be adjusted according to the sun's elevation and azimuth to focus solar energy onto the receiver. Real-time tracking of the sun's position, based on its elevation and azimuth, is thus essential.

[0006] Devices for tracking the sun's position throughout the day are also known in the prior art. These devices are generally equipped with two motors, either electric or hydraulic: one for vertical tracking (elevation) and the other for horizontal tracking (azimuth).

[0007] The state of the art also includes so-called hybrid solar panel systems, capable of simultaneously producing electrical and thermal energy. These systems are often permanently mounted on a fixed structure. Their main drawback lies in the fact that thermal energy production is directly linked to electrical energy production, producing a proportional amount of thermal energy for every amount of electrical energy generated. However, the electricity and heating needs of a home or factory are often variable, making these solutions less than optimal. With photovoltaic solar panels, the electrical energy produced can be consumed directly by the user if production is less than or equal to demand, stored in a accumulator or battery, or fed back into the electrical grid.However, battery storage has several disadvantages: these systems are expensive, have a limited lifespan, generate a significant environmental impact due to carbon dioxide emissions during their manufacture, and require specific materials such as lithium or lead.

[0008] Hybrid energy production devices are known in the literature. For example, patent FR3138683 describes a hybrid energy production device, capable of producing electrical and thermal energy, but with a different architecture from that proposed in the present document.

[0009] The state of the art reveals that devices for producing energy from solar energy have several disadvantages: photovoltaic solar panels do not allow the direct production of thermal energy; solar concentrators require heavy, complex and expensive structures, with an optical design of the mirrors dependent on the choice of the energy converter; finally, solar thermal systems do not allow the generation of electrical energy.

[0010] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a multi-energy production device using solar energy, capable of simultaneously generating electrical and thermal energy. This device features a lightweight structure and a modular design, in which the solar collector, including the mirrors, is manufactured in a modular and economical manner. Furthermore, the collector design is adaptable to different target temperature levels in the convergence zone where the solar receiver is positioned. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] To this end, the invention relates, in its broadest sense, to a device for producing electrical and thermal energy from solar energy, comprising: a fixed frame, a rotating frame consisting of a triangular structure, a central panel that can integrate a solar collector comprising mirrors or photovoltaic solar panels, a solar receiver positioned at the focal point of the solar collector, said energy production device is characterized in that it comprises a rotation mechanism comprising a rotary motor fixed to the fixed frame on one side and to the triangular structure on the other side and enabling it to perform a rotational movement to follow the sun in the horizontal plane, said energy production device also comprises a translation motor coupled on one side to the triangular structure and on the other side to the central panel by means of a stiffened beam,said translation motor allowing the central panel to rotate around its axes of rotation.

[0012] The fixed frame comprises longitudinal beams, transverse beams, and a circular ring, hollow inside and designed to receive rotating bearings within said circular ring. The fixed frame also comprises a rotary motor attached to the fixed frame on one side and to a rotating frame consisting of a triangular structure on the other side via a coupling structure. The triangular structure comprises longitudinal beams, vertical beams, inclined beams, and rotating bearings positioned within a circular ring. This triangular structure is coupled to the rotary motor located within the fixed frame via a coupling structure, and the rotary motor enables the triangular structure to rotate.

[0013] Thanks to the system according to the invention, the proposed energy production device, shown in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], will be deployed on a flat (non-visible) surface. The fixed frame can be attached to the ground, the rotating frame allows it to track the sun according to its azimuth (horizontal position). To track the position of the sun in the vertical plane, in particular the position of the sun according to its elevation in the sky, the central panel has axes of rotation on either side as well as a linear actuator (linear motor) coupled to a beam on said central panel. Said linear actuator allows the central panel to tilt to perform a rotational movement enabling it to track the elevation of the sun. Preferably, the central panel is coupled to a translation mechanism. Said translation mechanism is driven by a translation motor through a rod allowing it to move in the plane [XZ] ([Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2].l) This allows the central panel to adjust its angle of incidence with the sun's rays to adapt to the sun's position at different elevations in the sky, thus maximizing the solar reception area and consequently the amount of solar energy collected. To track the sun along its azimuth (horizontal plane) in order to concentrate the sun's rays onto the solar receiver for direct thermal energy production or to power a thermodynamic energy converter, the central panel is coupled to the rotating frame. This rotating frame is coupled to the fixed frame via a rotation mechanism consisting of a rotary motor.Thus, the energy production device also includes a central panel, said central panel being coupled to the triangular structure by means of shafts inserted into the flange bearings mounted on both sides of the triangular structure, said central panel also includes a stiffened beam for fixing a linear motor, said linear motor being on the other side coupled to a linear actuator fixing system, so that said linear actuator ensures the tilting of the central panel around the shafts to follow the position of the sun according to the elevation.Thus, the energy production device includes a linear translation mechanism attached to the central panel, allowing the solar panel to tilt to follow the sun's position according to its elevation. The energy production device also includes a rotation motor, allowing the rotating chassis to perform a rotational movement to follow the sun along the horizontal plane, the azimuth.

[0014] The tilting movements of the central panel and the rotation of the triangular structure will be done automatically and in real time through motors which can be hydraulic motors or electric motors or a combination of electric motors and hydraulic motors.

[0015] Preferably, the central panel is coupled to a solar collector formed by the horizontal and vertical beams and by the mirrors. Thus, the central panel can integrate a solar collector, said solar collector being made up of longitudinal and transverse beams, the assembly of said longitudinal and transverse beams forming a structure with a paraboloid geometry, said paraboloid, said paraboloid includes mirrors and, when oriented towards the sun, concentrates the received solar energy towards the focal point where a solar receiver is positioned. The collector is made up of longitudinal and transverse beams, said longitudinal and transverse beams having transverse grooves, said transverse grooves allowing the longitudinal and transverse beams to interlock to form the solar collector with a paraboloid geometry.

[0016] In the case where the central panel includes a solar collector, the solar energy is concentrated on the solar receiver. Therefore, the central panel includes rods located on its surface that allow the solar receiver to be fixed at the focal point of the solar collector. Thus, the solar receiver is fixed to the central panel and performs both vertical movement in elevation and horizontal movement in azimuth. The rods used to position the solar receiver have an adjustable length, allowing the position of the solar receiver to be adapted to the position of the solar collector.Having a variable distance from the solar receiver has a direct impact on the convergence surface at the solar receiver and therefore an impact on the temperature of the solar receiver; thus, the energy production device proposed in this invention is compatible with several types of energy converters and thermodynamic machines, offering a modular and adaptable solution.

[0017] Advantageously, the curvature of the mirrors forming the solar collector is adaptable to the shape of the longitudinal and horizontal beams forming the solar collector. Thus, it is possible to modify the curvature of the solar collector, the geometry of the paraboloid, during the manufacture of said solar collector, in order to adapt the focal length and the solar receiving surface, which also allows for adapting the temperature at the level of the solar receiver as well as the angle of convergence of the solar rays.

[0018] The longitudinal beams of the solar collector include a groove with a thickness greater than or equal to the thickness of the mirrors, allowing the mirrors to slide into said groove in order to be fixed and to take the shape of the collector (paraboloid geometry). The mirrors can be integrated into the collector from left to right or from right to left. In another embodiment of the system, the grooves are provided on the transverse beams, and the mirrors can thus be integrated into the collector from bottom to top or from top to bottom. Thus, the longitudinal beams or the transverse beams of the solar collector have a longitudinal groove extending along the axis of the beam, said longitudinal groove having a thickness greater than or equal to the thickness of the mirrors, said longitudinal groove allows one or more mirrors to be inserted along the axis of the beam to form a paraboloid-shaped surface, said longitudinal groove also allows the position of said mirrors to be locked, thus ensuring their fixing.

[0019] Preferably, said energy production device comprises two side panels, one on each side of the central panel. Thus, the central panel can be coupled on both sides to two side panels via two horizontal beams located at the top and bottom of the central panel. These horizontal beams allow vertical beams to be positioned on either side of the central panel to form the side panels. These side panels, positioned on either side of the central panel, thus perform the same axial displacement and rotation as the central panel by acting on the translation and rotation mechanisms. Preferably, said energy production device is adapted to integrate mirrors or photovoltaic solar panels, or a combination of mirrors and photovoltaic solar panels, on the central panel and on the side panels.According to a preferred design, the central panel includes a solar collector containing mirrors, and the side panels incorporate photovoltaic solar panel systems. The central panel, including the collector, generates thermal energy through the mirrors, while the side panels, containing the photovoltaic panels, generate electrical energy. The central panel can be coupled on both sides to two lateral panels. These lateral panels are fixed to either side of the central panel to perform the same tilting and rotation movements. Acting respectively on the tilting mechanism via a linear actuator and on the rotation mechanism via a rotation motor, the lateral panels can integrate either photovoltaic solar panels or a collector with mirrors.

[0020] To ensure high manufacturing accuracy, certain parts of the energy production device are made using precision cutting. Thus, the longitudinal beams, transverse beams, transverse grooves and longitudinal grooves of the solar collector are manufactured by precision cutting using CNC (computer numerical control) machines, employing a plasma or laser cutting process.

[0021] Advantageously, this energy production device can be fixed to the ground or integrated into a mobile application, for example a trailer, a truck or other mobile equipment. Thus, it is used for stationary electrical and thermal energy production applications or mobile electrical and thermal energy production applications. Therefore, this device is suitable for stationary electrical and thermal energy production applications, or mobile electrical and thermal energy production applications.

[0022] The energy production device has an installation method for efficiently concentrating the solar flux onto the receiver; advantageously, the installation method of the energy production device is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - Installation of the fixed chassis - Installation of the beams and bearings of the triangular structure - Installation and coupling of the triangular structure to the structure of coupling - Installation of the central panel - Installation of the linear actuator and coupling to the central panel and the triangular structure - Installation of the solar collector - Installation of mirrors - Installation of the solar receiver and adjustable-length beams - Installation of side panels - Installation of photovoltaic panels

[0023] Said installation method includes the steps of adjusting the alignment of the mirrors and positioning the solar receiver so as to optimize the concentration of solar radiation as a function of the solar elevation, said adjustments being made via the paraboloid geometry at the design and via beams adjustable in length ensuring accuracy in the solar concentration and the orientation of the solar flux. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] Several embodiments of the present invention will be described below by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0025] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates the energy production device making appear the fixed chassis, the solar receiver, the central panel consisting of the solar collector and mirrors as well as the side panels on which photovoltaic solar panels are installed;

[0026] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of the energy production device of [Fig.1] from a different view, showing the solar receiver, as well as the triangular structure on which the central panel rests;

[0027] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of the fixed chassis of the power generation device, said fixed chassis includes longitudinal and transverse beams, a circular ring and a rotary motor;

[0028] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the triangular structure of the power generation device, said triangular structure includes longitudinal beams, transverse beams, vertical beams and inclined beams;

[0029] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of the central panel and side panels of the power generation device;

[0030] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of the solar collector including the longitudinal beams, the transverse beams and the mirrors;

[0031] [Fig.7] is a schematic view of a longitudinal beam of the solar collector of the power generation device;

[0032] [Fig.8] is a schematic view of a transverse beam of the solar collector of the energy production device;

[0033] [Fig.9] is a schematic view showing the coupling between longitudinal beams and a transverse beam as well as the integration of the mirrors in the longitudinal groove of the longitudinal beams;

[0034] In what follows, the embodiments described focus more particularly on an implementation of the solar energy production device for a stationary application. However, any implementation in a different context, particularly for mobile applications, is also covered by the present invention.

[0035] The elements designated by the same numerical references on the different figures are identical.

[0036] DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0037] With reference to [Fig. 1], a solar energy production device (1) is schematically represented according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The energy production device (1) comprises a fixed frame (2) coupled to a rotating frame consisting of a triangular structure (3) (not visible) via a rotation motor (24) (not visible), a central panel (4), and side panels (4a) and (4b). The side panels (4a) and (4b) are positioned on either side of the central panel (4). The central panel (4) includes a solar collector (5), comprising mirrors (53). In this first embodiment, the side panels (4a) and (4b) comprise photovoltaic solar panels (41). The energy production device (1) also includes a solar receiver (6), positioned at the focal point of the solar collector. through length-adjustable beams (61) to adjust the position of said solar receiver (6). [Fig. 1] illustrates a coordinate system in the three axes of space, that is: - a front-to-back direction x corresponding to a straight and horizontal front-to-back direction, the arrow representing the front; - a lateral direction y perpendicular to the front-to-back direction x, the arrow representing the right; - a vertical direction z perpendicular to the horizontal and lateral directions, the arrow representing the top;

[0038] With reference to [Fig. 2], the same solar energy production device (1) shown in [Fig. 1] is schematically represented, but from a different view. This figure shows the triangular structure (3) on which the central panel (4) rests, as well as the linear motor (7), coupled on one side to the linear structure (3) and on the other side to the central panel (4). This linear motor (7) allows the structure to tilt in the XZ plane, thus enabling it to follow the sun's elevation in the sky.

[0039] With reference to [Fig.3], a schematic view of the fixed frame (2) of the power generation device is shown, said fixed frame (2) comprises fixed longitudinal beams (21), fixed transverse beams (22), a circular ring (23) and a rotary motor (24), said rotary motor (24) is fixed to one side of the fixed frame (2) through beams (26) and fixed to the other side of a coupling structure (25), said coupling structure (25) is fixed to the triangular structure (3) (not visible in this photo), said rotary motor (24) enables the triangular structure to rotate in the [XY] plane to follow the movement of the sun according to the azimuth.

[0040] With reference to [Fig.4], the triangular structure (3) is schematically represented. This triangular structure (3) comprises two longitudinal beams (31), movable bearings (34) integrated into the circular ring (23) of the fixed chassis (2), said triangular structure (3) also comprises vertical beams (32), inclined beams (33), a linear actuator fixing system (35) and two pillow block bearings (36) positioned on either side of the inclined beams (33), said pillow block bearings (36) allow the central panel (4) to be positioned and to be tilted to follow the sun in its position in the sky according to the elevation.

[0041] With reference to [Fig. 5], the central panel (4) is schematically represented, comprising longitudinal beams with a stiffened truss structure (41), transverse beams with a stiffened truss structure (42), a stiffened beam (43) enabling the coupling of the linear actuator (7) (not visible) to said central panel (4). Said central panel (4) also comprises two shafts (44) positioned on either side of the longitudinal beams with a stiffened truss structure (41), said shafts (44) being inserted into flanged bearings (35) to ensure the tilting of the central panel. (4). The central panel (4) is coupled, on either side, to lateral panels (4a) and (4b), said lateral panels (4a) and (4b) being able to include photovoltaic solar panels (41) or a solar collector (5).

[0042] With reference to [Fig. 6], the solar collector (5) is schematically represented. The solar collector (5) comprises longitudinal beams (51), transverse beams (52), and mirrors (53) coupled to the longitudinal beams (51). The coupling between the longitudinal beams (51) and the transverse beams (52) gives the solar collector (5) a paraboloid geometry. When the solar collector (5) is oriented towards the sun, the mirrors (53) arranged on the longitudinal beams (51) and forming a paraboloid geometry concentrate the solar rays towards the focal point, where the solar receiver (6) (not visible) is positioned.

[0043] With reference to [Fig.7], a longitudinal beam (51) of the solar collector (5) is schematically represented, said longitudinal beam includes transverse grooves (511) and a longitudinal groove (512), said transverse grooves (511) allow the integration of the transverse beams (52) to form the solar collector (5) of paraboloid geometry, said longitudinal groove (512) allows the integration of the mirrors (53), and to lock their position to prevent any movement.

[0044] With reference to [Fig.8], the transverse beam (52) is schematically represented, said transverse beam (52) includes transverse grooves (521) allowing its integration into the transverse grooves (511) of the longitudinal beams (51) in order to stiffen the overall structure of the collector (5) and to guarantee its paraboloid geometry.

[0045] With reference to [Fig.9], an example of coupling between the longitudinal beams (51) and a transverse beam (52) is schematically represented, said longitudinal beams (51) and the transverse beams (52) are coupled at the transverse grooves (511) of the longitudinal beams (51) and the transverse grooves (521) of the transverse beams (52), said longitudinal beams (51) also allow the mirrors (53) to be integrated into the longitudinal grooves (512), thus giving the mirrors of the solar collector (5) a paraboloid geometry.

[0046] The embodiments present a solar energy production device (1) with a modular architecture that allows the curvature of the solar collector (5) (of paraboloidal geometry) to be adapted by modifying the shape of the longitudinal beams (51) and transverse beams (52) of the solar collector (5). The energy production device (1) also allows the temperature at the solar receiver (6) to be adjusted by adapting its position using length-adjustable beams (61), so as to accommodate the energy converter technologies used or the desired temperature levels. The device is characterized by its ability to integrate, at the level of the central panel and the panels lateral, photovoltaic solar panels, mirrors, or a combination of photovoltaic solar panels and mirrors.

[0047] The energy production devices (1) according to the invention are particularly intended for the production of electrical and thermal energy from solar energy. Said energy production devices (1) are also designed for fixed applications, such as installations in gardens of houses, on the roofs of buildings or factories, as well as for mobile applications, such as energy production units mounted on vehicles or trailers.

[0048] These energy production devices are made by several possible processes. The longitudinal beams and transverse beams constituting the solar collector are manufactured by cutting sheet metal using precision machines, using laser cutting technologies, plasma cutting, or any other equivalent process.

[0049] As is known, the frames of energy-producing devices are made of metal alloys, such as iron, aluminum, or steel. The mirrors are made of glass or polished sheet steel, while the photovoltaic solar panels are made of specific materials. The energy-producing device is designed to be compatible with solar energy, and the materials used are also resistant to solar radiation.

[0050] The energy production device has variable dimensions depending on the target application and the electrical and thermal energy production requirements. This energy production device is compatible with various electrical and thermal energy production applications.

[0051] The invention provides a device for producing thermal and electrical energy from solar energy, allowing the production of electrical and thermal energy to be adapted according to the application. This energy production device according to the invention has a modular design capable of accommodating different types of power converters as well as photovoltaic solar panels. The energy production device has several degrees of freedom to control the solar flux at the solar receiver by adjusting the curvature of the solar collector in the design.

[0052] The solar energy production device is particularly intended for the production of electrical and thermal energy.

Claims

Demands

1. A device for producing electrical and thermal energy from solar energy (1) comprising a fixed frame (2), a rotating frame consisting of a triangular structure (3), a central panel (4) capable of integrating a solar collector (5) comprising mirrors (53) or photovoltaic solar panels (41), a solar receiver (6) positioned at the focal point of the solar collector (5), said energy production device (1) is characterized in that it comprises a rotation mechanism comprising a rotary motor (24) fixed to the fixed frame (2) on one side and to the triangular structure (3) on the other side and enabling a rotational movement to follow the sun in the horizontal plane, said energy production device (1) also comprises a translation motor (7) coupled on one side to the triangular structure (3) and on the other side to the central panel (4) by means of a stiffened beam (33),said translation motor (7) allowing the central panel (4) to be rotated around its axes of rotation (34).

2. Energy production device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the triangular structure (3) comprises longitudinal beams (31), vertical beams (32), inclined beams (33) and movable bearings (34) positioned in a circular ring (23), said triangular structure (3) being coupled to the rotary motor (24) located in the fixed frame (2) by means of a coupling structure (25), said rotary motor (24) enabling a rotational movement of the triangular structure (3).

3. Energy production device (1) according to claims 1 and 2, comprising a central panel (4), said central panel (4) being coupled to the triangular structure (3) by means of shafts (44) inserted into the pillow block bearings (35) mounted on both sides of the triangular structure (3), said central panel (4) also comprising a stiffened beam (43) for fixing a linear motor (7), said linear motor (7) being on the other side coupled to a fixing system for the linear actuator (33), so that said linear actuator (7) ensures the tilting of the central panel (4) around the shafts (44) to follow the position of the sun according to the elevation.

4. Energy production device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the central panel (4) can integrate a solar collector (5), said solar collector (5) being made up of longitudinal beams (51) and transverse beams (52), the assembly of said longitudinal beams (51) and transverse beams (52) forming a paraboloid geometry structure said paraboloid, said paraboloid includes mirrors (53) and, when oriented towards the sun, concentrates the received solar energy towards the focus where a solar receiver (6) is positioned.

5. Energy production device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the collector (5) is made up of longitudinal beams (51) and transverse beams (52), said longitudinal beams (51) and transverse beams (52) having transverse grooves (511) and (521), said transverse grooves (511) and (521) allow the longitudinal beams (51) and the transverse beams (52) to mesh together to form the solar collector (5) of paraboloidal geometry.

6. Energy production device (1) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the longitudinal beams (51) or the transverse beams (52) of the solar collector (5) have a longitudinal groove (512) extending along the axis of the beam, said longitudinal groove (512) having a thickness greater than or equal to the thickness of the mirrors (53), said longitudinal groove (512) allows one or more mirrors (53) to be inserted along the axis of the beam to form a paraboloid-shaped surface, said longitudinal groove (512) also allows the position of said mirrors (53) to be locked, thus ensuring their fixation.

7. Energy production device 1 according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal beams (51), the transverse beams (52), the transverse grooves (511) and the longitudinal grooves (512) of the solar collector (5) are manufactured by precision cutting using CNC (computer numerical control) type machines, using a plasma or laser cutting process.

8. Energy production device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the central panel (4) can be coupled on both sides to two lateral panels (4a) and (4b), said lateral panels (4a) and (4b) being fixed on either side of the central panel (4) so ​​as to carry out the same tilting and rotation as those of the central panel (4), by acting respectively on the tilting mechanism via the linear actuator (7) and on the rotation mechanism via the rotation motor (24), said side panels (4a) and (4b) may integrate photovoltaic solar panels or a collector with mirrors.

9. Method for installing the energy production device (1), according to any one of the preceding claims,characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - Installation of the fixed frame (2) - Installation of the beams (37) and bearings (34) of the triangular structure (3) - Installation and coupling of the triangular structure (3) to the coupling structure (25) - Installation of the central panel (4) - Installation of the linear actuator (7) and coupling of said central panel (4) and to the triangular structure (3) - Installation of the solar collector (5) - Installation of the mirrors (53) - Installation of the solar receiver (6) and the length-adjustable beams (6) - Installation of the side panels (4a) and (4b) - Installation of the photovoltaic panels. Said installation method comprises the steps of adjusting the alignment of the mirrors (53) and positioning the solar receiver (6) so as to optimize the concentration of solar radiation as a function of the solar elevation.said adjustments being made via the paraboloid geometry in the design and via length-adjustable beams (61) ensuring precision in solar concentration and the orientation of the solar flux.